TITLE:
The Role of Mediterranean Spotted Fever in the Spectrum of Pediatric Fever with Rashes
AUTHORS:
Elda Skenderi, Admir Sulovari, Gjeorgjina Kuli-Lito, Alberta Shkembi, Artemisa Shehu, Alma Babo
KEYWORDS:
Fever, Rash, Eschar, Children, Rickettsiosis, Mediterranean Spotted Fever
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.11 No.1,
January
28,
2023
ABSTRACT: When febrile illnesses develop a rash in children, parents are very concerned about a serious disease. Many rashes associated with fever are caused by infectious diseases. Rashes are generally nonspecific and play a supportive role in differential diagnosis, but for some diseases, the appearance of the rash is essential in making a diagnosis. Here is presented the case of a 4-year-old boy with high fever, headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and a generalized maculo-papular rash including palms and soles. On physical examination were found a black eschar, cervical lymphadenopathy, and hepatosplenomegaly. Laboratory findings resulted in moderate leukocytosis and moderate involvement of the liver and renal function. Based on this finding, a diagnosis of Mediterranean Spotted Fever was performed. The child recovered after medication with azithromycin. Because there is no reliable test that can confirm MSF in its early stages, the diagnosis is commonly made on the basis of clinical findings, so a high index of suspicion should be maintained while evaluating a child with fever and rash.